Shop Bop Sale

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Surprise! I actually was able to get a post up today! I know that on Insta Stories, I said there wouldn’t be one, but hey, I am always throwing out surprises 🙂 

For those of you who do not know, ShopBop is kind of having an amazing sale. Normally, I am not a fan of sales that kind of just encourage you to buy more, but in ShopBops case, it is too good not to share. This sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on things that are normally a little bit more expensive. 

For example, if you guys have been eyeing my favorite Stuart Weitzman Heels  #5 (Seen here, here & here), this is your opportunity to get them 15% off. If you have wanted a pair of Tory Burch Sandals #8 for years, then this is your chance! OR if you don’t have a pair of Ray Bans #6 or have lost your favorite pair recently, than this is also your chance. I for one have this Kiini Bikini #13 in my cart. I was planning on getting it anyways, but now that it is 15% I am for sure snagging it today! 

Also, these One Tea Spoon Shorts #7 are my absolute favorite and I actually just bought these earrings #9 last week and am kind of super mad I didn’t wait to purchase them! 

This Sale Ends On March 4th so just a heads up!

Any who, I have something pretty exciting to share with you all tomorrow so stay tuned! 

xo,

Lauren 

 

Walk It Out – How Walking Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

Outfit Details – White Jacket: Similar | White Top: Lululemon |Black Leggings: Lululemon | Ray Bans: Nordstrom | Nike Shoes: Macy’s (similar & love)

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While we were in New York, Colton and I ate more bread than I think I have eaten in the past year. Like, one day I literally only ate bread. Me!!!

I swear, It was an entire day of carbs. 

I wasn’t hating on it though, because not only were we on vacation and living it up, but also because we were walking more than we ate. I’m talking 20,000+ steps a day. 

We did the exact same thing in Europe last summer. We had two weeks of eating pizza and drinking wine in Italy and I didn’t gain a pound thanks to walking. Did I lose muscle tone? Well that’s a different story, but we will get to that in a second. 

I think that walking is so incredibly underrated. Living in Houston, we literally drive everywhere and if I didn’t make a conscious effort to walk as much as I do, I do not think I would be in the shape that I am in. 

A few months ago, after losing my Fitbit, I noticed I was gaining weight. I was still doing my BBG program and I was eating exactly the same, so I wasn’t sure why I was gaining weight? Needless to say, I quickly realized it was due to the fact that I wasn’t walking. I would go to work, complete my BBG program in 30 minutes and then go back to work then drive home. I was probably walking less than 1 mile a day and I could definitely see it. Around Thanksgiving, Colton bought me an Apple Watch and I started tracking my steps again. After a week and a half of hitting 10,000 steps a day + my program, I was able to lose the weight I had put on. Just by making a conscious effort to walk! I wasn’t running vigorously every day or killing myself in cardio, I just started walking more. 

So how am I hitting my steps everyday? 

1. Taking the stairs and never the elevator.  
2. Walking Bentley around the block every morning & night. 
3. Running 3 miles twice a week. 
4. Parking in the back of the parking lot at the grocery store. 
5. Walking on an incline for 15 minutes after every BBG workout. 
6. Walking, instead of driving to places less that .25 miles from my house. 
7. Investing in a fitness tracker. I recommend either an Apple Watch or a Fit Bit

All of these things help me to lose the little bit of weight I had put on. 

Is walking going to solve all of your problems? No, it’s not. 

It’s simply a great addition to be included in your healthy lifestyle.  Working out, lifting weights and eating clean is still key! Walking just may help you lose those last 5 lbs you’ve been struggling with.

What do you guys think about this? 

xo,

Lauren 

SHOP MY OUTFIT

   

My Favorite Pre & Post Workout Snacks

Hello you guys! Welcome back! 

Pre & Post Workout Meals are vital to performing your best and seeing results. When it comes to my Pre Workout snacks, it all depends on my day and when I am working out. If I just had breakfast an hour ago, I will not have a Pre-Workout Snack, but if it has been a few hours since eating and I am working out at lunch, then I need a snack to get my energy up and to help me get through my workout. For Pre-Workout snacks, I like them to be under 200 calories, and have a mixture between carbs, a little bit of protein and healthy fats. 

Then when it comes to my Post Workout snacks or meals, I never miss them! It is extremely important to eat something within in hour of working out so that your body can repair itself and grow properly. For Post Workout, I aim for under 300 calories and high protein and complex carbs are key! 

Pre Workout Snacks 

1. Avocado Toast: Very basic of me, but I love Avocado Toast. It’s the perfect combination of healthy fats and good carbs (great for energy!)
2. Hard Boiled Egg: If I am working out during my lunch break, then a hard boiled egg is a really easy and quick Pre-Workout snack. I hate being full when I workout, but this snack gives me the energy I need to get through my workout. 
3. PB2 & Banana Oatmeal:  I eat this oatmeal almost every single morning for breakfast and it is the perfect fuel before a morning workout. Whole oats are a complex carb that produce a steady amount of glucose in your body, which helps to keep your energy levels up and going. 
4. Blueberries & Walnuts: My most recent pre-work choice. I have been working out at lunch a lot recently and this has been a really quick and easy snack for me to bring to work with me. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and walnuts are a fat burning power food. It’s light but fuels me just enough. 
5. Banana & Almond butter: I would have to say the yummiest choice of them all! I am literally obsessed with Almond Butter, and Bananas are one of my favorite foods, so it’s a win – win. Bananas are great for a pre-workout snack because they are filled with potassium and will keep your nutrient levels high throughout your workout! They are also a good source of carbohydrates.  Then almond butter is a great addition because it gives a hint or protein, fiber and healthy fats! This is a great Almond Butter brand. 

Post Workout Snacks/Meals 

1. My Cake Batter Protein Smoothie: This smoothie, as seen here, is my favorite post workout meal. It’s delicious and is filled with protein! Plus, it literally tastes like cake batter. 
2. Protein Pancakes: My favorite post workout meal after a weekend workout. During the week I do not have enough time to make them, but for a Saturday morning they are perfect! In my Ninja Bullet, I blend 1 scoop of protein powder, 1/4 banana, 1 egg, 3 TBSP almond milk and blend. Once blended, I pour the batter onto my non stick pan and cook just like normal pancakes! On top add sliced banana and blue berries! 
3. Chicken & Broccoli: If I have a late night workout, then this is my post meal choice. Aka – dinner lol. The chicken is a lean mean that’s high in protein and then steamed vegetables are great because they are high in nutrients and fiber. Add sweet potatoes for a source of good carbs.
4. Quest Bar: The perfect on the run post work out snack. When I do not have a lot of time, I always gram a Quest Bar. I love Quest Bars because they are not only delicious, but they are less than 200 calories, have over 20 grams of protein, only 2 grams of sugar and are gluten free. 
5. Green Protein Smoothie: The perfect post work out smoothie after a morning workout. Just like my cake batter smoothie, it’s high in protein but the spinach gives it a kick of nutrients and fiber. You can find it here! 

What do you guys like to eat for your Pre & Post Workout snacks? 

xo,

Lauren

Vertical Striped Belted Dress

Outfit Details – Dress: Shein ($31) | Pumps: Jimmy Choo (similar) | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff | Earrings: Kate Spade | Monogrammed Necklace: Bauble Bar 

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Happy Monday! 

It’s no secret that I’m not exactly excelling in the height department. Growing up, I was always one of the shortest (if not the shortest) person in my class and we knew early on I was probably never going to have some crazy growth spurt. It’s like in 7th grade I hit 5 feet  tall and God said “Welp, I think this is good enough for Lauren” (ha!) and lets just say I haven’t grown since. 

So although he made me tiny, he gave me rather long legs for my petite frame. Which thank goodness for because I have zero torso! Since I am all legs and no torso, I have really had to learn to dress for my frame and when dresses like this one cross my path, it makes my job so much easier. 

This dress is hands down my most favorite item in my closet right now. I wore it recently to a Neiman Marcus event and I honestly cannot describe how great I felt in it. I think my only complaint is that it is one of those dresses that no matter how many time you steam it, it always looks a little wrinkled. Which honestly doesn’t bother me that much. If anything it makes my life a little bit easier lol.  It’s just so light weight and incredible flattering, I mean the perfect spring dress! It’s from Shein, which I understand some of you are skeptical on because of their too good to be true prices, but I promise you, I have loved every single item I have ever gotten from them. Hands down my favorite store for affordable, trendy, seasonal pieces, just like this dress!  

Any who, I hope you all had a marvelous weekend! This was our first weekend like home – home in a long time and we fully embraced it. Saturday, I went to 8:30 spin, had a spa day with my Mom and planted flowers on our porch. Then Sunday we had brunch with our sweet friends and went apartment hunting all afternoon. Our lease is up in May and we are  very perplexed as to what we are going to do. The good news is that we should be home for the next few weeks and will have time to figure it out hopefully! 

Have a great week loves! 

xo,

Lauren 

SHOP MY OUTFIT